Like my iPhone version, the Android application also includes call-and-response exercises for intervals, chords, and melodies. From an exercise standpoint, they are pretty much identical. There is one major feature difference, though. The Android application does not have pitch detection. I spent a few hours one day trying to get pitch detection to work, but I couldn't get much beyond basic decibel readings. Knowing that there are hundreds of different Android devices (yes, there really are!) that I might need to support, I figured it probably wouldn't be worth the time and effort required to get accurate pitch detection working. But like I said, the Android application does have all of the other features.

CHARGING FOR MOBILE APPS

Unlike my previous ear training tools, the Android ear trainer is not available for free. Instead, it's currently for sale at $1.99 (I think we can all agree, $2 would have been a total rip-off). There are a few reasons behind my decision to charge for the Android application but here are the two big ones. First, until a week ago, I didn't own a single Android-compatible device. And the only reason I own an Android device now is so I could do a final round of testing with some confidence that it would actually run on something other than the software emulator. In other words, this is an application written for a device that I don't use. As such, I've viewed it more as a contracting gig. One that, I fear, will not pay very well.

The second big reason for charging for the Android application is that the iPhone version probably won't be free for much longer. While I enjoy building and sharing my ear training tools with everyone, the mobile apps have taken much longer than their online counterparts to write and maintain. It would be nice to receive some payment for all of that work, even if it's just enough to cover the AppStore fees (Apple charges $100/yr).

It's weird, though. I don't know what it is about the AppStore/Market pricing, but I actually feel bad charging you $1.99. What if it's really only worth $1.92, or $1.87?!

MORE INFORMATION

You'll find a list of the basic features and some tips at the Play By Ear Android page. This is my first attempt at writing an Android application. I've tested it quite a bit, but since I only have one Android device (a used HTC Eris phone), I don't really know how it will run on newer devices and tablets. If you do end up trying the application, please let me know if you run into any problems. And if you enjoy the application, please rate it accordingly. Thanks!